If you are from Bihar, you
must have seen Mukhiyas flaunting their SUVs. You must have also observed the
lifestyle of a Mukhiya. Majority of them spend quite a huge sum of money in the
election. I also have two distant relatives who are Mukhiyas. It is not only a
status symbol for them, but they are also enjoying lavish lifestyle just
because of being an elected representative of a gram panchayat.
I was wondering about this
fact. I am aware of the salary structure of MLAs and MPs. But, what about
Mukhia! What is their monthly take home salary? Does salary justify their
lavish lifestyle?
A mukhiya in Bihar gets Rs.
2500 per month. Yes, this is the salary of Mukhiya in Bihar.
Only Rs. 2500 per month!
It is quite obvious that the
salary is so meagre that even an honest person becoming Mukhia will have to
become corrupt just to run his kitchen.
However, after the
constitutional validity of gram panchayat (73rd and 74th Amendments,
1992), they are given too many responsibilities. Many of the schemes of the
Central Government are supposed to be fulfilled by none other than Mukhia. For
example, take the case of MNAREGA. Further, the primary schools falling in the
Gram Panchayat are to an extent superintended by him.
And, needless to say, they are
making money through these schemes. Crores of Rupees of public are being
pocketed through these Mukhias. We are concerned about political corruption. We
are agitated about politician being so corrupt, but we forget to see the
genesis of all of these corruption.
Similarly, the government
should consider raising the salary of Mukhia. If you are supposed to run a gram
panchayat with a salary of just Rs. 3000, you are not going to remain honest.
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